Obesity (Weight Loss) (cont.)
What is new in obesity research?
Researchers at UC Davis are studying how genes influence the amount of
arachidonic acid (a fatty acid important in the synthesis of prostaglandins in
the body) in the liver and muscle cells of a special strain of rats called
Zucker rats. They found that rats that have inherited obese genes from both
parents have decreased levels of arachidonic acid in their muscles and liver.
These rats will become fat even when fed a very low calorie diet. More
importantly, researchers were able to reduce body weight and body fat in these
obese rats by feeding them a special fatty acid supplement that increased
arachidonic acid in their muscle cells. Researchers also found decreased
arachidonic acid in the blood of obese humans. They are studying the
effectiveness of this special fatty acid supplement in maintaining lost weight
in previously obese individuals.
Trials using leptin injection in humans are underway, and appear to be
successful in patients who have " leptin resistance".
Other hormones such as neuropeptide Y, cholecystokinin, and glucagon like
peptide 1 are also being actively explored as appetite suppressants in the
treatment of obesity.
Scientists have made tremendous strides in understanding obesity and in
improving the medication treatment of this important disease. In time, better,
safer, and more effective obesity medications will be available. But currently
there is still no "magic cure" for obesity. The best and safest way to
lose fat and keep it off is through a commitment to a life long process of
proper diet and regular exercise. Medications should be considered helpful
adjuncts to diet and exercise for patients whose health risk from obesity
clearly outweigh the potential side effects of the medications. Medications
should be prescribed by doctors familiar with the patients' conditions and with
the use of the medications. Medication(s) and other "herbal"
preparations with unproven effectiveness and safety should be avoided.
Next: Choosing a safe and successful Weight-Loss Program »
 |
 |
From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
|
|
- Tummy Tuck ( Abdominoplasty) - Abdominoplasty, (tummy tuck) is one of the more common cosmetic surgeries. This procedure flattens your abdomen by removing extra fat and skin, and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic
- C-Reactive Protein Test (CRP) - Learn about your heart disease risk and how the CRP test can be a marker of the inflammation of arteries. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic
- Liposuction - liposuction involves the surgical suctioning of fat deposits from specific parts of the body, the most common being the abdomen (the "tummy"), buttocks ("behind"), hips, and thighs. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic
- Read 1112 more Obesity (Weight Loss) related articles ...
|
| |
|
Specialty RSS
